New Zealand captain Suzie Bates starred in her team’s emphatic win over Ireland, smashing a 60-ball 82 that was studded with seven boundaries and two sixes.
Electing to bat, New Zealand piled up 177 for three and then kept Ireland down to 84 for five to record a seventh win in the last eight Twenty20 internationals.
Bates became only the fourth woman to complete 2,000 T20 runs when she crossed 19, joining the England duo of Charlotte Edwards and Sarah Taylor, and Stafanie Taylor of the West Indies, in the elite group.
Sophie Devine scored 47 off 34 balls, adding 104 for the second wicket with Bates, before New Zealand restricted Ireland through off-spinner Leigh Kasperek’s one for 10 from four economical overs and leg-spinner Erin Bermingham’s two for 17.
Irish skipper Isobel Joyce played a lone hand for her side with 28.
“It was a very pleasing win because it was a complete performance with bat and ball,” said Bates. “We needed such a win because we play Australia next and have to be at the top of our game.”
Joyce rued Ireland’s "poor" display in the field, but hoped her team had learnt a good lesson.
“We performed poorly and it was never going to be easy chasing 178,” she said. “They are a very professional side and I hope our girls have learnt from them.
“There is no point thinking of the defeat for too long. The important thing is to recover quickly.”
Summarised scores:
New Zealand beat Ireland by 93 runs in Mohali
New Zealand 177-3, 20 overs (Suzie Bates 82, Sophie Devine 47)
Ireland 84-5, 20 overs (Isobel Joyce 28; Erin Bermingham 2-17)
Irish Women's Cricket 2016
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